PopLifeSTL is dedicated to providing readers with relevant news, reviews, and reflections on pop culture events in the St. Louis region. Created by @LynnVenhaus

Joined January 2021
345 Photos and videos
Lacking the focus and heart of its predecessor, “Gladiator II” undercuts its splatter-filled action sequences and on-point performance from Denzel Washington with a jumbled narrative that’s content to live in the shadow of greatness. poplifestl.com/gladiator-ii-…
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Did it need to be this long? No. Is it worth your time? Yes. With ‘wow factor’ production values and sensational performances, this vivid re-imagining of the Land of Oz is a must-see event best-suited for the big screen. poplifestl.com/wicked-part-1…
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Complicated family ties and honoring Jewish heritage are explored in the heartfelt “A Real Pain.” With its strong emotional pull as two once-close cousins reconnect, the comedy-drama is often amusing but also tinged with melancholy. poplifestl.com/warm-and-genu…
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In large part due to a deliciously sinister performance from Hugh Grant, co-directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ “Heretic” is a taut, suspenseful slice of horror that strikes an unwieldy but entertaining balance between big ideas and blood-soaked chills. poplifestl.com/hugh-grant-em…
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Come for the music, stay for the lovefest. A gleaming crowd-pleasing tribute, “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” at The Fox celebrates the singer-songwriter’s greatest hits, which is what the enthusiastic audience expected and was eager to do. poplifestl.com/strong-perfor…
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For a merry good time, head to The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’s Emerson Studio to join in the fun of watching a pair of seasoned performers – two of St. Louis’ finest – beautifully bookend each other in a dark comedy on self-discovery, “The Roommate.” poplifestl.com/dynamic-duo-d…
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An intense, darkly funny, and, ultimately, heartbreaking tribute to those striving to achieve the American Dream, featuring a magnificent performance from Mikey Madison, director Sean Baker’s “Anora” is a film that feels gloriously alive. poplifestl.com/mikey-madison…
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Frenetic, scattershot, and thoroughly self-absorbed, director Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night” might satisfy those nostalgic for the early days of “SNL,” but fails to make a name for itself on its own merits. poplifestl.com/saturday-nigh…
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